To earn a real estate salesperson license in Hawaii, candidates must complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course and pass a two-part examination administered by PSI Services. The exam is designed to verify that applicants possess a "reasonable knowledge" of real property interests, transfer documents, agency law, and state-specific statutes as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) �� 467-8.
This guide provides a compliance-first roadmap to navigating the Hawaii Real Estate Exam. By focusing on the official requirements of the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (REC), candidates can avoid common administrative delays and focus on the high-weight topics that determine passing scores.
Official Source Check
The Hawaii Real Estate Commission (REC) and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) are the final authorities on licensing rules. Always verify current fees and deadlines through these official portals:
- Hawaii Real Estate Branch - Licensing and Education
- Official Candidate and Applicant Information
- PSI Hawaii Real Estate Exam Portal
- Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 467 (Statutory Authority)
The Hawaii Real Estate Exam Structure
The exam is split into two distinct sections: the Uniform (National) portion and the State-Specific portion. Candidates must pass both sections to qualify for a license. If you pass one section but fail the other, you are typically permitted to retake only the failed portion within a specific window of time (usually two years from the first passed section).
| Exam Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniform (National) | 80 Questions | 150 Minutes | 70% (56 correct) |
| State-Specific | 50 Questions | 90 Minutes | 70% (35 correct) |
| Total | 130 Questions | 4 Hours | 70% per section |
What the "State Portion" Covers
In Hawaii, the state portion of the exam is heavily grounded in local statutes and administrative rules. Candidates should expect questions on:
- HRS Chapter 467: Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
- HRS Chapter 514B: Condominium Property Act.
- Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 16, Chapter 99: Real Estate Commission rules.
- Land Tenure: Specifics of Hawaii's unique history with fee simple and leasehold interests.
- Disclosures: Mandatory seller disclosures (Chapter 508D).
Pro Tip: Hawaii uses "experimental" or "pre-test" questions that do not count toward your score. These are interspersed throughout the exam to gather data for future tests. Treat every question as if it counts, as you will not know which ones are experimental.
Step-by-Step Compliance Path
- Pre-licensing Education: Complete 60 hours of instruction from a Commission-approved school. Upon completion, you will receive a Hawaii School Completion Certificate.
- Create a MyPVL Account: Hawaii uses the Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) portal to track education and applications. Ensure your course completion is reflected here.
- Register with PSI: Effective May 2026, candidates must upload their certificates to the PSI portal for approval before they can schedule an exam date.
- Background Check: Candidates must undergo a criminal history record check. It is recommended to do this near the time of application to ensure the results are fresh.
What Candidates Get Wrong
Many candidates fail not because of a lack of knowledge, but due to administrative or procedural errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Expired Certificates: Hawaii School Completion Certificates are generally valid for two years. If you do not pass the exam and apply for your license within this window, you must retake the 60-hour course.
- Name Mismatches: The name on your PSI registration must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID. Even a missing middle initial can lead to being turned away at the testing center.
- Application Deadlines: Passing the exam is not the same as being licensed. You must submit your complete license application to the DCCA within two years of passing the exam. Failure to do so renders your exam results void.
- Ignoring Leasehold: Hawaii has a high volume of leasehold properties. Candidates often overlook this in favor of standard fee simple concepts, leading to missed points on the state portion.
Exam Readiness and Practice Resources
Success on the Hawaii exam requires more than just reading the textbook; it requires practicing the application of the law in a timed environment. While free practice questions exist online, they are often outdated or do not reflect the current PSI question bank's complexity.
Reledemy Premium Practice Tests
For candidates seeking a structured and high-probability path to passing, Reledemy offers premium practice exams tailored to the Hawaii curriculum.
- Pros: Features detailed explanations for every answer, performance tracking to identify weak spots, and questions that mimic the phrasing found on the official PSI exam.
- Cons: Requires a paid subscription, which may be an additional burden for those on a tight budget.
While there is a free option available, it lacks the depth and the "Exam Mode" simulation that the premium tier provides. The premium version is best for those who want to drill specific categories like Hawaii-specific land laws or real estate math.